Mother’s Day Craft: Silhouette Paintings

These silhouette paintings are a beautiful project for moms and kids to make together.

When it comes to Mother’s Day, my needs are pretty simple. Sure, I love brunch, flowers and a mani-pedi just as much as the next woman, but to be honest, what I look forward to the most is hanging out with my family.

/
play speed icon
0.75
1
1.25

It’s weird, I know – after all, spending time with them is kind of a big part of this whole mom thing – but it’s true.

So this year I’m asking for quality time spent creating something together. This idea for silhouette artwork, which simply involves cutting out shapes, attaching them to a canvas and having the kids paint over them, is so much fun. I plan on hanging these up in my own home, but you could also give them to the other awesome women in your life – grandma, aunts, friends, whoever!

Here’s how you and your family can make your own custom artwork.

Materials

Canvas
Acrylic paint and paintbrushes
Palette (or paper plate)
Shapes printed or drawn on paper*
Double-sided tape or glue adhesives
Paper towels or newspaper
Scissors

*We made free printable templates for you to use. You could also help your kids draw their own shapes to cut out, like the initials of their names.

Instructions

  1. Line your work area with newspaper or paper towels
  2. Print out our template or help your child draw a shape. Cut the shape out of the paper
  3. Cover the back of the shape with double-sided tape or glue adhesives, paying extra close attention to the thinnest areas (like the flower petals, for example). Adhere to the canvas
  4. Add your paint colors to a palette or paper plate. It helps to choose colors that go well together, like orange, yellow and green, or blue and purple
  5. Paint over the shape outline, starting brushstrokes on top of the shape and drawing them outward
  6. While waiting for the paint to dry, clean the brushes and palette with some soapy water
  7. Once the paint has dried, carefully peel off the shape. Voilà!

Tip: After you’re finished with your art session, clean up the mess with a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser and the floor with a Swiffer WetJet.

Related Articles

DIY Yarn Balls

Use our simple instructions to make festive yarn balls that add a unique, whimsical touch to parties or home décor.

DIY Stepping-Stones With The Kids

Enlist your kids' help to create a personalized, beautiful piece of garden art that will last a lifetime.

5 Art Projects To Personalize Your Outdoor Space

Liven up a dull outdoor space with 5 projects that will help make it uniquely yours.

3 DIY Valentine’s Day Cards

This Valentine’s Day, craft handmade cards for a friend, child or sweetie with our simple ideas.

How Color Can Transform A Room’s Mood

Learn how color can affect a space’s vibe – and even your mood – with our hue-based tips and suggestions.

How To Create Easy Pumpkin Arrangements For Fall

Carve out time this fall to create colorful arrangements with pumpkins, paint and seasonal flowers.

How to Get Slime Out of Carpet and Everywhere Else it Ended Up

Slime stains are sticky, but we’ve got solutions. Learn how to get slime out of carpet.

How to Make Your Home Sparkle this Spring with Dish Soap

Go Clean Co’s Sarah McAllister uses Dawn for easy spring cleaning — all over the house.